With the rise of ISIS and the looming threat of American involvement in another foreign conflict, the nation has shifted its attention away from immigration reform and onwards to the Middle East. However, as 2016 slowly creeps closer, immigration reform will undoubtedly be one of the strongest firing points for both parties when it comes to the presidential election.

In a recent poll conducted by Politico, participants were asked numerous questions that sought to observe how the national perspective of immigration reform is centered. The poll was conducted between Aug. 29 and Sept. 7, making it one of the latest to come out after congress entered its break period.

The first question sought to direct the participants' attention to the president and his direct handling of the issue of immigration. 64 percent of participants disapproved of the way that President Obama has handled the situation, while only 35 percent approved. 

One of the underlying problems with polls is that they pose 'yes' or 'no' questions without allowing the participant to explain the reasoning behind their verdict. There is never the opportunity for the public to explain how they would tackle immigration reform and what they would do differently than President Obama.

The trend against the Democrats continued when 34 percent compared to 31 percent felt that the Republican Party could handle immigration reform better. This will be an important faction with the mid-term elections coming up in Nov. When asked if immigration reform was an important issue that would affect the midterms, 75 percent to 25 percent felt that the issue was of extreme importance.

Depending on the midterms, President Obama could find it far more difficult to do business with Congress. The House already has a GOP majority and if the Senate were to fall to the Republicans then President Obama will either be forced to compromise or use executive orders (more than he already has).    

What the poll did confirm was that the American public is behind "comprehensive immigration reform" 66 to 33 percent. The problem is that "comprehensive" is not defined in the poll, and both parties have thrown the word back and forth. Public opinion understands that reform is necessary, but a literal plan on how to get the nation there remains unknown.